Brantford Expositor
For caregivers, community resources await
HEALTH: Caring for someone with dementia topic of public lecture
By MICHELLE RUBY
When her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2001, Donna Smith's life changed.
Wilf Smith has gone from being a dynamic man who worked as a purchasing agent and had a talent for household renovation, to a man "who can't do very much," said his wife of almost 52 years.
"Most days he can get to the kitchen with his dishes and sweep up the floor a bit. Some days are better than others. Some moments are better than others."
Smith is one of hundreds of local people providing care to loved ones with dementia.
The term dementia is used to describe symptoms that occur when the brain is damaged by diseases and conditions such as Alzheimer's or vascular dementia. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia (about 63%). It is not a normal part of aging.
And for every person diagnosed with dementia, 10 more are affected, said Burnett. They are spouses, children, grandchildren, siblings and friends.
But the degenerative nature of dementia puts increasing pressure on caregivers who can find themselves overwhelmed with stress, fatigue, depression and isolation.
The Alzheimer Society of Brant is holding a public lecture Thursday called Caring for Someone with Dementia. A panel of three caregivers, including Smith, will talk about their experiences. Dr. Carrie McAiney, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences at
"It's so important to most people that they remain at home as long as possible," said Burnett. "For the caregiver it can be very demanding. They need to get help and education."
Pat McClelland cared for her husband, Ward, for close to15 years after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Now in the late stages of the disease, he has been living at the John Noble Home for the past three years.
"He still knows me, but he talks very little. He sleeps most of the time."
As a registered nurse who worked with geriatric patients, McClelland knew more than most about what to expect from the mysterious nature of Alzheimer's.
"Some people try to hide that there's something wrong with their mate," she said. I've met so many people in denial."
McClelland said it's vital for caregivers to remember to take time for themselves. Retirement homes and long-term care facilities can offer respite care. Several local agencies also offer assistance in the home.
For a long time, Smith said she took on the burden of care giving alone, hesitant to ask for any kind of help.
"I didn't think I needed it. It's hard to realize this is happening to you and your loved one."
But when Wilf, 75, had a serious fall in 2008, she said she began to "realize how responsible I was for everything."
She began to seek out services through the Alzheimer's Society and the Community Care Access Centre. She also uses the John Noble Home's day and stay program, which provides overnight outings for Wilf and gives her some time to herself. Comcare Health Services and Lifeguard Homecare come into the Smiths' home an hour a day to provide Wilf with personal care and several hours of respite care a week.
"I learned there are resources out there," said Smith. "They are really wonderful. Caregivers have to remember that they are entitled to their life, too."
Burnett said the Alzheimer Society has a series of educational programs for those living through all stages of dementia. There are also discussion groups for those diagnosed with the disease and for caregivers.
"We walk the journey with them," said Burnett. "Knowing what's coming helps reduce stress for everyone."
A new study commissioned by the Alzheimer Society, called Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society, says that
About 500,000 Canadians have dementia today. It is the most significant cause of disability among Canadians over the age of 65. Forecasts show that within 20 years, worldwide prevalence will increase two-fold.
mruby@theexpositor.com
